In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, visit this site to read about the people, places and culture that help our great country thrive. Check out the blogs and photo galleries, and participate in upcoming Webchats.

Number to Know

31: Number of places nationwide with "liberty" in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2008, is Liberty, Mo. (30,568). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty. -- www.census.gov

This Day in History

July 2, 1937: Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan are last heard from over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make the first equatorial round-the-world flight.

Today’s Featured Birthday

Actor/writer Larry David (63)

Daily Quote

“If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.” - Hamilton Fish